1
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Yun SD, Scott E, Chang JY, Bahramimoghaddam H, Lynn M, Lantz C, Russell DH, Laganowsky A. Capturing RAS oligomerization on a membrane. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2405986121. [PMID: 39145928 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2405986121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
RAS GTPases associate with the biological membrane where they function as molecular switches to regulate cell growth. Recent studies indicate that RAS proteins oligomerize on membranes, and disrupting these assemblies represents an alternative therapeutic strategy. However, conflicting reports on RAS assemblies, ranging in size from dimers to nanoclusters, have brought to the fore key questions regarding the stoichiometry and parameters that influence oligomerization. Here, we probe three isoforms of RAS [Kirsten Rat Sarcoma viral oncogene (KRAS), Harvey Rat Sarcoma viral oncogene (HRAS), and Neuroblastoma oncogene (NRAS)] directly from membranes using mass spectrometry. We show that KRAS on membranes in the inactive state (GDP-bound) is monomeric but forms dimers in the active state (GTP-bound). We demonstrate that the small molecule BI2852 can induce dimerization of KRAS, whereas the binding of effector proteins disrupts dimerization. We also show that RAS dimerization is dependent on lipid composition and reveal that oligomerization of NRAS is regulated by palmitoylation. By monitoring the intrinsic GTPase activity of RAS, we capture the emergence of a dimer containing either mixed nucleotides or GDP on membranes. We find that the interaction of RAS with the catalytic domain of Son of Sevenless (SOScat) is influenced by membrane composition. We also capture the activation and monomer to dimer conversion of KRAS by SOScat. These results not only reveal the stoichiometry of RAS assemblies on membranes but also uncover the impact of critical factors on oligomerization, encompassing regulation by nucleotides, lipids, and palmitoylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangho D Yun
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843
| | - Elena Scott
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843
| | - Jing-Yuan Chang
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843
| | | | - Michael Lynn
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843
| | - Carter Lantz
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843
| | - David H Russell
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843
| | - Arthur Laganowsky
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843
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2
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Lee SY, Eun HJ, Lee KY. Effector Binding Sequentially Alters KRAS Dimerization on the Membrane: New Insights Into RAS-Mediated RAF Activation. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2401530. [PMID: 39138901 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202401530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
RAS proteins are peripheral membrane GTPases that activate multiple downstream effectors for cell proliferation and differentiation. The formation of a signaling RAS-RAF complex at the plasma membrane is implicated in a quarter of all human cancers; however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this work, nanodisc platforms and paramagnetic relaxation enhancement (PRE) analyses to determine the structure of a hetero-tetrameric complex comprising KRAS and the RAS-binding domain (RBD) and cysteine-rich domain (CRD) of activated RAF1 are employed. The binding of the RBD or RBD-CRD differentially alters the dimerization modes of KRAS on both anionic and neutral membranes, validated by interface-specific mutagenesis. Notably, the RBD binding allosterically generated two distinct KRAS dimer interfaces in equilibrium, favored by KRAS free and in complex with the RBD-CRD, respectively. Additional interactions of the CRD with both KRAS protomers are mutually cooperative to stabilize a new dimer configuration of KRAS bound to the RBD-CRD. The RAF binding sequentially alters KRAS dimerization, providing new insights into RAF activation, including a configurational transition of the KRAS dimer to provide an interaction site for the CRD and release the autoinhibited RAF complex. These methods are applicable to many other signaling protein complexes on the membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo-Yeon Lee
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy and Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, CHA University, Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-Do, 11160, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Jong Eun
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki-Young Lee
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy and Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, CHA University, Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-Do, 11160, Republic of Korea
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3
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Shrestha R, Carpenter TS, Van QN, Agamasu C, Tonelli M, Aydin F, Chen D, Gulten G, Glosli JN, López CA, Oppelstrup T, Neale C, Gnanakaran S, Gillette WK, Ingólfsson HI, Lightstone FC, Stephen AG, Streitz FH, Nissley DV, Turbyville TJ. Membrane lipids drive formation of KRAS4b-RAF1 RBDCRD nanoclusters on the membrane. Commun Biol 2024; 7:242. [PMID: 38418613 PMCID: PMC10902389 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-05916-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The oncogene RAS, extensively studied for decades, presents persistent gaps in understanding, hindering the development of effective therapeutic strategies due to a lack of precise details on how RAS initiates MAPK signaling with RAF effector proteins at the plasma membrane. Recent advances in X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM, and super-resolution fluorescence microscopy offer structural and spatial insights, yet the molecular mechanisms involving protein-protein and protein-lipid interactions in RAS-mediated signaling require further characterization. This study utilizes single-molecule experimental techniques, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and the computational Machine-Learned Modeling Infrastructure (MuMMI) to examine KRAS4b and RAF1 on a biologically relevant lipid bilayer. MuMMI captures long-timescale events while preserving detailed atomic descriptions, providing testable models for experimental validation. Both in vitro and computational studies reveal that RBDCRD binding alters KRAS lateral diffusion on the lipid bilayer, increasing cluster size and decreasing diffusion. RAS and membrane binding cause hydrophobic residues in the CRD region to penetrate the bilayer, stabilizing complexes through β-strand elongation. These cooperative interactions among lipids, KRAS4b, and RAF1 are proposed as essential for forming nanoclusters, potentially a critical step in MAP kinase signal activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebika Shrestha
- RAS Initiative, The Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory, Frederick, MD, 21701, USA
| | - Timothy S Carpenter
- Physical and Life Sciences (PLS) Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, 94550, USA
| | - Que N Van
- RAS Initiative, The Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory, Frederick, MD, 21701, USA
| | - Constance Agamasu
- RAS Initiative, The Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory, Frederick, MD, 21701, USA
| | - Marco Tonelli
- National Magnetic Resonance Facility at Madison, Biochemistry Department, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Fikret Aydin
- Physical and Life Sciences (PLS) Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, 94550, USA
| | - De Chen
- RAS Initiative, The Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory, Frederick, MD, 21701, USA
| | - Gulcin Gulten
- RAS Initiative, The Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory, Frederick, MD, 21701, USA
| | - James N Glosli
- Physical and Life Sciences (PLS) Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, 94550, USA
| | - Cesar A López
- Theoretical Biology and Biophysics Group, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, 87545, USA
| | - Tomas Oppelstrup
- Physical and Life Sciences (PLS) Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, 94550, USA
| | - Chris Neale
- Theoretical Biology and Biophysics Group, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, 87545, USA
| | - Sandrasegaram Gnanakaran
- Theoretical Biology and Biophysics Group, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, 87545, USA
| | - William K Gillette
- RAS Initiative, The Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory, Frederick, MD, 21701, USA
| | - Helgi I Ingólfsson
- Physical and Life Sciences (PLS) Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, 94550, USA
| | - Felice C Lightstone
- Physical and Life Sciences (PLS) Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, 94550, USA
| | - Andrew G Stephen
- RAS Initiative, The Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory, Frederick, MD, 21701, USA
| | - Frederick H Streitz
- Physical and Life Sciences (PLS) Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, 94550, USA
| | - Dwight V Nissley
- RAS Initiative, The Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory, Frederick, MD, 21701, USA
| | - Thomas J Turbyville
- RAS Initiative, The Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory, Frederick, MD, 21701, USA.
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4
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Gormal RS, Martinez-Marmol R, Brooks AJ, Meunier FA. Location, location, location: Protein kinase nanoclustering for optimised signalling output. eLife 2024; 13:e93902. [PMID: 38206309 PMCID: PMC10783869 DOI: 10.7554/elife.93902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Protein kinases (PKs) are proteins at the core of cellular signalling and are thereby responsible for most cellular physiological processes and their regulations. As for all intracellular proteins, PKs are subjected to Brownian thermal energy that tends to homogenise their distribution throughout the volume of the cell. To access their substrates and perform their critical functions, PK localisation is therefore tightly regulated in space and time, relying upon a range of clustering mechanisms. These include post-translational modifications, protein-protein and protein-lipid interactions, as well as liquid-liquid phase separation, allowing spatial restriction and ultimately regulating access to their substrates. In this review, we will focus on key mechanisms mediating PK nanoclustering in physiological and pathophysiological processes. We propose that PK nanoclusters act as a cellular quantal unit of signalling output capable of integration and regulation in space and time. We will specifically outline the various super-resolution microscopy approaches currently used to elucidate the composition and mechanisms driving PK nanoscale clustering and explore the pathological consequences of altered kinase clustering in the context of neurodegenerative disorders, inflammation, and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel S Gormal
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of QueenslandBrisbaneAustralia
| | - Ramon Martinez-Marmol
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of QueenslandBrisbaneAustralia
| | - Andrew J Brooks
- Frazer Institute, The University of QueenslandWoolloongabbaAustralia
| | - Frédéric A Meunier
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of QueenslandBrisbaneAustralia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of QueenslandSt LuciaAustralia
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5
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Walker G, Brown C, Ge X, Kumar S, Muzumdar MD, Gupta K, Bhattacharyya M. Oligomeric organization of membrane proteins from native membranes at nanoscale spatial and single-molecule resolution. NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY 2024; 19:85-94. [PMID: 38012273 PMCID: PMC10981947 DOI: 10.1038/s41565-023-01547-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
The oligomeric organization of membrane proteins in native cell membranes is a critical regulator of their function. High-resolution quantitative measurements of oligomeric assemblies and how they change under different conditions are indispensable to understanding membrane protein biology. We report Native-nanoBleach, a total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy-based single-molecule photobleaching step analysis technique to determine the oligomeric distribution of membrane proteins directly from native membranes at an effective spatial resolution of ~10 nm. We achieved this by capturing target membrane proteins in native nanodiscs with their proximal native membrane environment using amphipathic copolymers. We applied Native-nanoBleach to quantify the oligomerization status of structurally and functionally diverse membrane proteins, including a receptor tyrosine kinase (TrkA) and a small GTPase (KRas) under growth-factor binding and oncogenic mutations, respectively. Our data suggest that Native-nanoBleach provides a sensitive, single-molecule platform to quantify membrane protein oligomeric distributions in native membranes under physiologically and clinically relevant conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerard Walker
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Nanobiology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Caroline Brown
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Nanobiology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Xiangyu Ge
- Department of Pathology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Yale Cancer Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Shailesh Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Mandar D Muzumdar
- Yale Cancer Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Genetics, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, USA
| | - Kallol Gupta
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Nanobiology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
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6
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Jurado M, Zorzano A, Castaño O. Cooperativity and oscillations: Regulatory mechanisms of K-Ras nanoclusters. Comput Biol Med 2023; 166:107455. [PMID: 37742420 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2023.107455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
K-Ras nanoclusters (NCs) concentrate all required molecules belonging to the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway in a small area where signaling events take place, increasing efficiency and specificity of signaling. Such nanostructures are characterized by controlled sizes and lifetimes distributions, but there is a poor understanding of the mechanisms involved in their dynamics of growth/decay. Here, a minimum computational model is presented to analyze the behavior of K-Ras NCs as cooperative dynamic structures that self-regulate their growth and decay according to their size. Indeed, the proposed model reveals that the growth and the local production of a K-Ras nanocluster depend positively on its actual size, whilst its lifetime is inversely proportional to the root of its size. The cooperative binding between the structural constituents of the NC (K-Ras proteins) induces oscillations in the size distributions of K-Ras NCs allowing them to range within controlled values, regulating the growth/decay dynamics of these NCs. Thereby, the size of a K-Ras NC is proposed as a key factor to regulate cell signaling, opening a range of possibilities to develop strategies for use in chronic diseases and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Jurado
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antonio Zorzano
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER of Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Diseases, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Oscar Castaño
- Electronics and Biomedical Engineering, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain; Nanobioengineering and Biomaterials, Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology of the University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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7
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Simanshu DK, Philips MR, Hancock JF. Consensus on the RAS dimerization hypothesis: Strong evidence for lipid-mediated clustering but not for G-domain-mediated interactions. Mol Cell 2023; 83:1210-1215. [PMID: 36990093 PMCID: PMC10150945 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2023.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
One of the open questions in RAS biology is the existence of RAS dimers and their role in RAF dimerization and activation. The idea of RAS dimers arose from the discovery that RAF kinases function as obligate dimers, which generated the hypothesis that RAF dimer formation might be nucleated by G-domain-mediated RAS dimerization. Here, we review the evidence for RAS dimerization and describe a recent discussion among RAS researchers that led to a consensus that the clustering of two or more RAS proteins is not due to the stable association of G-domains but, instead, is a consequence of RAS C-terminal membrane anchors and the membrane phospholipids with which they interact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhirendra K Simanshu
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA.
| | - Mark R Philips
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| | - John F Hancock
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, USA.
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8
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Eliminating oncogenic RAS: back to the future at the drawing board. Biochem Soc Trans 2023; 51:447-456. [PMID: 36688434 PMCID: PMC9987992 DOI: 10.1042/bst20221343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
RAS drug development has made enormous strides in the past ten years, with the first direct KRAS inhibitor being approved in 2021. However, despite the clinical success of covalent KRAS-G12C inhibitors, we are immediately confronted with resistances as commonly found with targeted drugs. Previously believed to be undruggable due to its lack of obvious druggable pockets, a couple of new approaches to hit this much feared oncogene have now been carved out. We here concisely review these approaches to directly target four druggable sites of RAS from various angles. Our analysis focuses on the lessons learnt during the development of allele-specific covalent and non-covalent RAS inhibitors, the potential of macromolecular binders to facilitate the discovery and validation of targetable sites on RAS and finally an outlook on a future that may engage more small molecule binders to become drugs. We foresee that the latter could happen mainly in two ways: First, non-covalent small molecule inhibitors may be derived from the development of covalent binders. Second, reversible small molecule binders could be utilized for novel targeting modalities, such as degraders of RAS. Provided that degraders eliminate RAS by recruiting differentially expressed E3-ligases, this approach could enable unprecedented tissue- or developmental stage-specific destruction of RAS with potential advantages for on-target toxicity. We conclude that novel creative ideas continue to be important to exterminate RAS in cancer and other RAS pathway-driven diseases, such as RASopathies.
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9
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Walker G, Brown C, Ge X, Kumar S, Muzumdar MD, Gupta K, Bhattacharyya M. Determination of oligomeric organization of membrane proteins from native membranes at nanoscale-spatial and single-molecule resolution. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.19.529138. [PMID: 36865290 PMCID: PMC9980011 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.19.529138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
The oligomeric organization of membrane proteins in native cell membranes is a critical regulator of their function. High-resolution quantitative measurements of oligomeric assemblies and how they change under different conditions are indispensable to the understanding of membrane protein biology. We report a single-molecule imaging technique (Native-nanoBleach) to determine the oligomeric distribution of membrane proteins directly from native membranes at an effective spatial resolution of ∼10 nm. We achieved this by capturing target membrane proteins in "native nanodiscs" with their proximal native membrane environment using amphipathic copolymers. We established this method using structurally and functionally diverse membrane proteins with well-established stoichiometries. We then applied Native-nanoBleach to quantify the oligomerization status of a receptor tyrosine kinase (TrkA) and a small GTPase (KRas) under conditions of growth-factor binding or oncogenic mutations, respectively. Native-nanoBleach provides a sensitive, single-molecule platform to quantify membrane protein oligomeric distributions in native membranes at an unprecedented spatial resolution.
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10
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Nguyen K, López CA, Neale C, Van QN, Carpenter TS, Di Natale F, Travers T, Tran TH, Chan AH, Bhatia H, Frank PH, Tonelli M, Zhang X, Gulten G, Reddy T, Burns V, Oppelstrup T, Hengartner N, Simanshu DK, Bremer PT, Chen D, Glosli JN, Shrestha R, Turbyville T, Streitz FH, Nissley DV, Ingólfsson HI, Stephen AG, Lightstone FC, Gnanakaran S. Exploring CRD mobility during RAS/RAF engagement at the membrane. Biophys J 2022; 121:3630-3650. [PMID: 35778842 PMCID: PMC9617161 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2022.06.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
During the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling, the RAS-binding domain (RBD) and cysteine-rich domain (CRD) of RAF bind to active RAS at the plasma membrane. The orientation of RAS at the membrane may be critical for formation of the RAS-RBDCRD complex and subsequent signaling. To explore how RAS membrane orientation relates to the protein dynamics within the RAS-RBDCRD complex, we perform multiscale coarse-grained and all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of KRAS4b bound to the RBD and CRD domains of RAF-1, both in solution and anchored to a model plasma membrane. Solution MD simulations describe dynamic KRAS4b-CRD conformations, suggesting that the CRD has sufficient flexibility in this environment to substantially change its binding interface with KRAS4b. In contrast, when the ternary complex is anchored to the membrane, the mobility of the CRD relative to KRAS4b is restricted, resulting in fewer distinct KRAS4b-CRD conformations. These simulations implicate membrane orientations of the ternary complex that are consistent with NMR measurements. While a crystal structure-like conformation is observed in both solution and membrane simulations, a particular intermolecular rearrangement of the ternary complex is observed only when it is anchored to the membrane. This configuration emerges when the CRD hydrophobic loops are inserted into the membrane and helices α3-5 of KRAS4b are solvent exposed. This membrane-specific configuration is stabilized by KRAS4b-CRD contacts that are not observed in the crystal structure. These results suggest modulatory interplay between the CRD and plasma membrane that correlate with RAS/RAF complex structure and dynamics, and potentially influence subsequent steps in the activation of MAPK signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kien Nguyen
- Theoretical Biology and Biophysics Group, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico
| | - Cesar A López
- Theoretical Biology and Biophysics Group, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico
| | - Chris Neale
- Theoretical Biology and Biophysics Group, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico
| | - Que N Van
- National Cancer Institute RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Timothy S Carpenter
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California
| | - Francesco Di Natale
- Applications, Simulations, and Quality, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California
| | | | - Timothy H Tran
- National Cancer Institute RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Albert H Chan
- National Cancer Institute RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Harsh Bhatia
- Center for Applied Scientific Computing, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California
| | - Peter H Frank
- National Cancer Institute RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Marco Tonelli
- National Magnetic Resonance Facility at Madison, Biochemistry Department, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Xiaohua Zhang
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California
| | - Gulcin Gulten
- National Cancer Institute RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Tyler Reddy
- CCS-7, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico
| | - Violetta Burns
- Theoretical Biology and Biophysics Group, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico
| | - Tomas Oppelstrup
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California
| | - Nick Hengartner
- Theoretical Biology and Biophysics Group, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico
| | - Dhirendra K Simanshu
- National Cancer Institute RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Peer-Timo Bremer
- Center for Applied Scientific Computing, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California
| | - De Chen
- National Cancer Institute RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland
| | - James N Glosli
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California
| | - Rebika Shrestha
- National Cancer Institute RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Thomas Turbyville
- National Cancer Institute RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Frederick H Streitz
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California
| | - Dwight V Nissley
- National Cancer Institute RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Helgi I Ingólfsson
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California
| | - Andrew G Stephen
- National Cancer Institute RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Felice C Lightstone
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California
| | - Sandrasegaram Gnanakaran
- Theoretical Biology and Biophysics Group, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico.
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11
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Simanshu DK, Morrison DK. A Structure is Worth a Thousand Words: New Insights for RAS and RAF Regulation. Cancer Discov 2022; 12:899-912. [PMID: 35046094 PMCID: PMC8983508 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-21-1494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The RAS GTPases are frequently mutated in human cancer, with KRAS being the predominant tumor driver. For many years, it has been known that the structure and function of RAS are integrally linked, as structural changes induced by GTP binding or mutational events determine the ability of RAS to interact with regulators and effectors. Recently, a wealth of information has emerged from structures of specific KRAS mutants and from structures of multiprotein complexes containing RAS and/or RAF, an essential effector of RAS. These structures provide key insights regarding RAS and RAF regulation as well as promising new strategies for therapeutic intervention. SIGNIFICANCE The RAS GTPases are major drivers of tumorigenesis, and for RAS proteins to exert their full oncogenic potential, they must interact with the RAF kinases to initiate ERK cascade signaling. Although binding to RAS is typically a prerequisite for RAF to become an activated kinase, determining the molecular mechanisms by which this interaction results in RAF activation has been a challenging task. A major advance in understanding this process and RAF regulation has come from recent structural studies of various RAS and RAF multiprotein signaling complexes, revealing new avenues for drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhirendra K. Simanshu
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick, Maryland
| | - Deborah K. Morrison
- Laboratory of Cell and Developmental Signaling, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland
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12
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Pavic K, Chippalkatti R, Abankwa D. Drug targeting opportunities en route to Ras nanoclusters. Adv Cancer Res 2022; 153:63-99. [PMID: 35101236 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2021.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Disruption of the native membrane organization of Ras by the farnesyltransferase inhibitor tipifarnib in the late 1990s constituted the first indirect approach to drug target Ras. Since then, our understanding of how dynamically Ras shuttles between subcellular locations has changed significantly. Ras proteins have to arrive at the plasma membrane for efficient MAPK-signal propagation. On the plasma membrane Ras proteins are organized into isoform specific proteo-lipid assemblies called nanocluster. Recent evidence suggests that Ras nanocluster have a specific lipid composition, which supports the recruitment of effectors such as Raf. Conversely, effectors possess lipid-recognition motifs, which appear to serve as co-incidence detectors for the lipid domain of a given Ras isoform. Evidence suggests that dimeric Raf proteins then co-assemble dimeric Ras in an immobile complex, thus forming the minimal unit of an active nanocluster. Here we review established and novel trafficking chaperones and trafficking factors of Ras, along with the set of lipid and protein modulators of Ras nanoclustering. We highlight drug targeting approaches and opportunities against these determinants of functional Ras membrane organization. Finally, we reflect on implications for Ras signaling in polarized cells, such as epithelia, which are a common origin of tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Pavic
- Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery Group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Rohan Chippalkatti
- Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery Group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Daniel Abankwa
- Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery Group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg.
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13
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Ozdemir ES, Koester AM, Nan X. Ras Multimers on the Membrane: Many Ways for a Heart-to-Heart Conversation. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:219. [PMID: 35205266 PMCID: PMC8872464 DOI: 10.3390/genes13020219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Formation of Ras multimers, including dimers and nanoclusters, has emerged as an exciting, new front of research in the 'old' field of Ras biomedicine. With significant advances made in the past few years, we are beginning to understand the structure of Ras multimers and, albeit preliminary, mechanisms that regulate their formation in vitro and in cells. Here we aim to synthesize the knowledge accrued thus far on Ras multimers, particularly the presence of multiple globular (G-) domain interfaces, and discuss how membrane nanodomain composition and structure would influence Ras multimer formation. We end with some general thoughts on the potential implications of Ras multimers in basic and translational biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. Sila Ozdemir
- Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research Center, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, 2720 S Moody Ave., Portland, OR 97201, USA;
| | - Anna M. Koester
- Program in Quantitative and Systems Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, 2730 S Moody Ave., Portland, OR 97201, USA;
| | - Xiaolin Nan
- Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research Center, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, 2720 S Moody Ave., Portland, OR 97201, USA;
- Program in Quantitative and Systems Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, 2730 S Moody Ave., Portland, OR 97201, USA;
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14
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Ingólfsson HI, Neale C, Carpenter TS, Shrestha R, López CA, Tran TH, Oppelstrup T, Bhatia H, Stanton LG, Zhang X, Sundram S, Di Natale F, Agarwal A, Dharuman G, Kokkila Schumacher SIL, Turbyville T, Gulten G, Van QN, Goswami D, Jean-Francois F, Agamasu C, Chen D, Hettige JJ, Travers T, Sarkar S, Surh MP, Yang Y, Moody A, Liu S, Van Essen BC, Voter AF, Ramanathan A, Hengartner NW, Simanshu DK, Stephen AG, Bremer PT, Gnanakaran S, Glosli JN, Lightstone FC, McCormick F, Nissley DV, Streitz FH. Machine learning-driven multiscale modeling reveals lipid-dependent dynamics of RAS signaling proteins. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2113297119. [PMID: 34983849 PMCID: PMC8740753 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2113297119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
RAS is a signaling protein associated with the cell membrane that is mutated in up to 30% of human cancers. RAS signaling has been proposed to be regulated by dynamic heterogeneity of the cell membrane. Investigating such a mechanism requires near-atomistic detail at macroscopic temporal and spatial scales, which is not possible with conventional computational or experimental techniques. We demonstrate here a multiscale simulation infrastructure that uses machine learning to create a scale-bridging ensemble of over 100,000 simulations of active wild-type KRAS on a complex, asymmetric membrane. Initialized and validated with experimental data (including a new structure of active wild-type KRAS), these simulations represent a substantial advance in the ability to characterize RAS-membrane biology. We report distinctive patterns of local lipid composition that correlate with interfacially promiscuous RAS multimerization. These lipid fingerprints are coupled to RAS dynamics, predicted to influence effector binding, and therefore may be a mechanism for regulating cell signaling cascades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helgi I Ingólfsson
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94550
| | - Chris Neale
- Theoretical Biology and Biophysics Group, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545
| | - Timothy S Carpenter
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94550
| | - Rebika Shrestha
- RAS Initiative, The Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory, Frederick, MD 21701
| | - Cesar A López
- Theoretical Biology and Biophysics Group, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545
| | - Timothy H Tran
- RAS Initiative, The Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory, Frederick, MD 21701
| | - Tomas Oppelstrup
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94550
| | - Harsh Bhatia
- Computing Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94550
| | - Liam G Stanton
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, San José State University, San José, CA 95192
| | - Xiaohua Zhang
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94550
| | - Shiv Sundram
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94550
| | - Francesco Di Natale
- Computing Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94550
| | - Animesh Agarwal
- Theoretical Biology and Biophysics Group, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545
| | - Gautham Dharuman
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94550
| | | | - Thomas Turbyville
- RAS Initiative, The Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory, Frederick, MD 21701
| | - Gulcin Gulten
- RAS Initiative, The Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory, Frederick, MD 21701
| | - Que N Van
- RAS Initiative, The Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory, Frederick, MD 21701
| | - Debanjan Goswami
- RAS Initiative, The Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory, Frederick, MD 21701
| | - Frantz Jean-Francois
- RAS Initiative, The Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory, Frederick, MD 21701
| | - Constance Agamasu
- RAS Initiative, The Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory, Frederick, MD 21701
| | - De Chen
- RAS Initiative, The Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory, Frederick, MD 21701
| | - Jeevapani J Hettige
- Theoretical Biology and Biophysics Group, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545
| | - Timothy Travers
- Theoretical Biology and Biophysics Group, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545
| | - Sumantra Sarkar
- Center for Nonlinear Studies, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545
| | - Michael P Surh
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94550
| | - Yue Yang
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94550
| | - Adam Moody
- Computing Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94550
| | - Shusen Liu
- Computing Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94550
| | - Brian C Van Essen
- Computing Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94550
| | - Arthur F Voter
- Theoretical Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545
| | - Arvind Ramanathan
- Computing, Environment & Life Sciences Directorate, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL 60439
| | - Nicolas W Hengartner
- Theoretical Biology and Biophysics Group, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545
| | - Dhirendra K Simanshu
- RAS Initiative, The Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory, Frederick, MD 21701
| | - Andrew G Stephen
- RAS Initiative, The Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory, Frederick, MD 21701
| | - Peer-Timo Bremer
- Computing Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94550
| | - S Gnanakaran
- Theoretical Biology and Biophysics Group, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545
| | - James N Glosli
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94550
| | - Felice C Lightstone
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94550
| | - Frank McCormick
- RAS Initiative, The Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory, Frederick, MD 21701;
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94115
| | - Dwight V Nissley
- RAS Initiative, The Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory, Frederick, MD 21701;
| | - Frederick H Streitz
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94550;
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15
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Rozengurt E, Eibl G. Crosstalk between KRAS, SRC and YAP Signaling in Pancreatic Cancer: Interactions Leading to Aggressive Disease and Drug Resistance. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5126. [PMID: 34680275 PMCID: PMC8533944 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13205126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the predominant form of pancreatic cancer, remains a devastating disease. The purpose of this review is to highlight recent literature on mechanistic and translational developments that advance our understanding of a complex crosstalk between KRAS, YAP and Src tyrosine kinase family (SFK) in PDAC development and maintenance. We discuss recent studies indicating the importance of RAS dimerization in signal transduction and new findings showing that the potent pro-oncogenic members of the SFK phosphorylate and inhibit RAS function. These surprising findings imply that RAS may not play a crucial role in maintaining certain subtypes of PDAC. In support of this interpretation, current evidence indicates that the survival of the basal-like subtype of PDAC is less dependent on RAS but relies, at least in part, on the activity of YAP/TAZ. Based on current evidence, we propose that SFK propels PDAC cells to a state of high metastasis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and reduced dependence on KRAS signaling, salient features of the aggressive basal-like/squamous subtype of PDAC. Strategies for PDAC treatment should consider the opposite effects of tyrosine phosphorylation on KRAS and SFK/YAP in the design of drug combinations that target these novel crosstalk mechanisms and overcome drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique Rozengurt
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Guido Eibl
- Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA;
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16
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Mima J. Self-assemblies of Rab- and Arf-family small GTPases on lipid bilayers in membrane tethering. Biophys Rev 2021; 13:531-539. [PMID: 34471437 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-021-00819-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Small GTPases of the Ras superfamily, which include Ras-, Rho-, Rab-, Arf-, and Ran-family isoforms, are generally known to function as a nucleotide-dependent molecular switch in eukaryotic cells. In the GTP-loaded forms, they selectively recruit their cognate interacting proteins or protein complexes, termed "effectors," to the cytoplasmic face of subcellular membrane compartments, thereby switching on the downstream effector functions, which are vital for fundamental cellular events, such as cell proliferation, cytoskeletal organization, and intracellular membrane trafficking. Nevertheless, in addition to acting as the classic nucleotide-dependent switches for the effectors, recent studies have uncovered that small GTPases themselves can be self-assembled specifically into homo-dimers or higher-order oligomers on membranes, and these assembly processes are likely responsible for their physiological functions. This Review focuses particularly on the self-assembly processes of Rab- and Arf-family isoforms during membrane tethering, the most critical step to ensure the fidelity of membrane trafficking. A summary of the current experimental evidence for self-assemblies of Rab and Arf small GTPases on lipid bilayers in chemically defined reconstitution system is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joji Mima
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, 3-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871 Japan
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17
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Cookis T, Mattos C. Crystal Structure Reveals the Full Ras-Raf Interface and Advances Mechanistic Understanding of Raf Activation. Biomolecules 2021; 11:996. [PMID: 34356620 PMCID: PMC8301913 DOI: 10.3390/biom11070996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Ras and Raf-kinase interact through the Ras-binding (RBD) and cysteine-rich domains (CRD) of Raf to signal through the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway, yet the molecular mechanism leading to Raf activation has remained elusive. We present the 2.8 Å crystal structure of the HRas-CRaf-RBD_CRD complex showing the Ras-Raf interface as a continuous surface on Ras, as seen in the KRas-CRaf-RBD_CRD structure. In molecular dynamics simulations of a Ras dimer model formed through the α4-α5 interface, the CRD is dynamic and located between the two Ras protomers, poised for direct or allosteric modulation of functionally relevant regions of Ras and Raf. We propose a molecular model in which Ras binding is involved in the release of Raf autoinhibition while the Ras-Raf complex dimerizes to promote a platform for signal amplification, with Raf-CRD centrally located to impact regulation and function.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carla Mattos
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
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18
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Zhou Y, Gorfe AA, Hancock JF. RAS Nanoclusters Selectively Sort Distinct Lipid Headgroups and Acyl Chains. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:686338. [PMID: 34222339 PMCID: PMC8245699 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.686338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
RAS proteins are lipid-anchored small GTPases that switch between the GTP-bound active and GDP-bound inactive states. RAS isoforms, including HRAS, NRAS and splice variants KRAS4A and KRAS4B, are some of the most frequently mutated proteins in cancer. In particular, constitutively active mutants of KRAS comprise ∼80% of all RAS oncogenic mutations and are found in 98% of pancreatic, 45% of colorectal and 31% of lung tumors. Plasma membrane (PM) is the primary location of RAS signaling in biology and pathology. Thus, a better understanding of how RAS proteins localize to and distribute on the PM is critical to better comprehend RAS biology and to develop new strategies to treat RAS pathology. In this review, we discuss recent findings on how RAS proteins sort lipids as they undergo macromolecular assembly on the PM. We also discuss how RAS/lipid nanoclusters serve as signaling platforms for the efficient recruitment of effectors and signal transduction, and how perturbing the PM biophysical properties affect the spatial distribution of RAS isoforms and their functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Zhou
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Alemayehu A. Gorfe
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - John F. Hancock
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, United States
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